Legendary painter M.F. Husain had his heart in Bollywood and many from the film industry have expressed grief over his demise on Thursday.
“Very sad to hear that the great M.F. Husain is no more, RIP,” veteran actor Dev Anand said on micro-blogging site Twitter.
“The news is shocking. It is yet to sink in. Just two days back I was discussing him with a friend. He was a great filmmaker who made films which he believed in and financed it himself. He was a special person and a genuine artist,” director Anurag Kashyap told PTI.
Foraying into filmmaking with “Through the Eyes of a Painter” in 1967, Husain later made “Gaja Gamini” with his then muse Madhuri Dixit, followed by “Meenaxi: A tale of Three Cities” starring Tabu.
Actor Raghubir Yadav, who also starred in “Meenaxi”, told PTI, "It is sad that an artist of such a stature is no longer among us. Working with him was a learning experience. He was peaceful by nature and a open-minded person.”
“Deeply saddened by the news about Husain saab. He was not only a great artist but an incredible human being. His passion and love for life was contagious and unparalleled. May his soul rest in peace,” tweeted Kunal Kapoor, who made his acting debut with “Meenaxi.”.
Expressing grief, actor Shabana Azmi told PTI that Husain was a close friend and a wonderful human being. “He was a prolific painter. He is someone who is born once in 100 years. I last met him through a video-conference. He was deeply moved when we told him we will try to bring him back to India. He missed India.”
In the wake of legal challenges over his depiction of Hindu deities in the nude and death threats in India, the 95-year-old Husain had been living abroad in self-imposed exile since 2006.
Lyricist Javed Akhtar termed Husain as one of the greatest artists in and outside India. “I think many people realise the importance of artists in this country because of him. His contribution to Indian art has been totally unprecedented.”
“Husain passes away. We hang our heads partly in grief and partly in shame for not being able to let him spend his last days in this country,” tweeted Rahul Bose.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of M.F. Husain saab. A wonderful person and a great artist. May his soul rest in peace,” actor Abhishek Bachchan said.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur tweeted, “M.F. Husain who seemed ageless, painting till his last days leaves us with one of India’s greatest legacy of art.”
Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Sad to hear renowned legendary artist M.F. Husain passes away, RIP!!!"
“The legendary M.F. Husain has left us. Rest in peace sir,” said actor Siddharth.
“RIP, M.F. Husain, son, lover and nemesis of India,” actor Ranvir Shorey tweeted.
Filmmaker Pritish Nandy said, “Few people had that zest for living as Husain. My walls are full of his notes and drawings left in my office when I wasnt there.”
Composer Vishal Dadlani tweeted, “Apologies for the lack of understanding your home country showed you. There was nothing vulgar about Husain’s work. Pity that some illiterate people who saw his stuff had dirty minds.”